Steve Vandervort – President
Steve Vandervort has lived in the Charlestown area since 1962, and attended Charlestown Elementary School. He graduated from the University of Maryland in 1979 with a B.S. in Computer Science and Chemistry. After graduation, Steve returned to Charlestown, bought a home on Water Street and joined his father, Bill Vandervort, in his family's appliance repair business.
Steve has participated on the board since 1995, eleven years of which have been served as President. His careful monitoring of the town budget made lowering the taxes a reality, as well as services such as free trash removal possible.
Steve has enjoyed serving his community for the past fourteen years and will continue to do so as long as the town needs him. Steve feels gifted by the numerous commissioners he has had the privilege of serving with over the years.
Robert Gell – Vice President
Having retired after serving as President of Cecil Community College for twenty-two years, Bob and his wife, Susan, have lived in Charlestown since 1986. Prior to being elected to the Town Board of Commissioners in 2002, Bob served as Chair of the Charlestown Ethics Commission since its inception in 1993. He is concerned about historical preservation of the Town’s Architectural treasures and the control of growth. High on his priority list is concern for children and youth and the need for the community to provide a program of wholesome recreation and character building.
Donna Sheets - Treasurer
I was first appointed to the Board in July 2000 to fill a vacancy and have been serving ever since. I have always had a love for the community beginning with the educational system. I spent seven years in PTA and am currently working in the Special Education Department at Perryville High School.
During my time in service to the community, I started and continue to serve on ‘’The Special Events Committee”. A small and dedicated group of volunteers, we have provided The Halloween Parade and Party, the Children’s Christmas Party and Music in the Park for the last two years. We help the Fire Department with the Easter Egg Hunt and other events as they come up (Bathtub Push for Diabetes).
I am dedicated to improving the community with projects like the lighted Town Directory, flowers at the Town Hall, children’s activities and lighted Christmas decorations for the poles.
My biggest project yet, created by the people of Charlestown is ‘’Riverfest’’. My personal highest priority is the children. The people of Charlestown wanted to do something to bring funds into the town to create a Boys and Girls Club of Charlestown. Our goal was successfully met.
If I can ever be of service to anyone, please do not hesitate to e-mail me at oshunbound@comcast.net and place ‘’Charlestown’’ in the subject line. Thank you for choosing me to help better serve your needs.
Joseph Letts Sr, Commissioner
Joe Letts was born and raised in North East, Maryland. He served four years in the U.S. Navy and was honorably discharged in August 1967. He went to work for the Cecil County Sherriff’s office in December 1967 and retired after 36 years of service in August 2003.
Joe served seven terms on the Charlestown Town Board, serving as President, Vice President, Parks and Recreation Commissioner, Streets and Sidewalks Commissioner and Public Safety Commissioner.
It has been Joe’s pleasure to serve the citizens of Charlestown. He would like to thank them for the opportunity and looks forward to serving the next term.
Mary Carol Durange – Commissioner
Mary Carol has been a proud Cecil County resident for over twenty-three years, living the last eleven years in Charlestown, with her husband of twenty-six years, Thomas and their three children. An active nurse for twenty-seven years, she has worked the past year in the Cecil County school system. A graduate of Cecil College and the College of Notre Dame of Maryland, she is continuing her education and presently a graduate student at the College of Notre Dame.
Mary Carol served as Charlestown Commissioner October 2004-January 2005, elected by the commissioners to fill a vacancy. She was elected by the town in January 2006 and is presently serving as a town commissioner. She has been a Riverfest Committee member since its inception, and serves as an elected chairperson. She also serves on the Charlestown Special Events Committee.
Mary Carol has several priorities for Charlestown: (a) preservation and promotion of Historic Charlestown, (b) storm water management, (c) continued growth of children’s programs, (d) implementation of programs for our youth, (e) implementation of programs for our senior town members, (f) controlled town growth, (g) programs to augment our police patrols, and (h) quicker and more consistent response to our town’s problems. Mary Carol enjoys being involved with and serving the community and the Town of Charlestown.